VTech PreComputer 1000
The VTech PreComputer 1000 is an electronic learning aid for ages 9 and above[1] manufactured by VTech and released in 1988 (USA)[2] and 1989 (Europe). It contains a dot matrix LCD screen, standard size keyboard and a number of activities, including trivia on science, history and general knowledge.[3]
The PreComputer 1000 is VTech's first child learning product to incorporate the BASIC programming language. It is the predecessor to the PreComputer 2000.
Specifications
The VTech PreComputer 1000 relies upon a Z80B[4] clone as it's processing core. A 16Kbit (2Kx8bit) 2K Sharp LH5116-10 or Hyundai HY6116ALP-10 SRAM is used for RAM.[5] As of 1992, a CMOS version of the Z80 marketed as the Z84 is used.
A Toshiba TC531000C 1MBit (128Kx8bit) 128K ROM contains the Operating System and program data[4]. This ROM can be augmented with a different ones when a cartridge is inserted into the side mounted cartridge slot and selected, thus providing expansion capability. The same Toshiba TC531000CP 128K ROM is used in some cartridges.[6]
Text output is supplied by a single row 20 character dot-matrix LCD panel, sound output is via an inbuilt piezo element beeper.
Functions
The following functions were available on the unit: [7]
- Typing course
- Fact quizzes (250 facts in each of the following categories: General Knowledge, History, Science & Geography)
- Mathematics activities (5 activities for 1 or 2 players)
- Games (1 single player Typing Fun game, 2 two player games of Hangman and Scramble)
- Calculator
- BASIC (stylized as PRE-BASIC 1.0) programming with 9 example programs
Expansion Cartridges
The following cartridges were available for the PreComputer 1000[1] and were also supported in the PreComputer 2000. The cartridges could only be inserted with the power off before re-powering and pressing the 'Cartridge' button to activate.[7]
- Bible Knowledge (Stock Code: 80-0989)
- Fantasy Trivia (Stock Code: 80-1001)
- General Knowledge II (Stock Code: 80-1002)
- Super Science (Stock Code: 80-1410)
- Speller (Stock Code: 80-1004)
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External Links
- 20th Century Retro Games entry (Gallery page for VTech models 1000, 1000 jr, 2000, ProScreen and Variety)
- BASIC for Kids: The VTech PreComputer 1000 at Vintage Computing and Gaming (May 31st, 2007 by Benj Edwards)
- 5 Amazing '80s Geek Toys and Their Modern Equivalents at Wired (magazine) (June 1, 2012 by Chuck Lawton. Machines include: 100-in-1 electronics kits, Pre-Computer 1000, Etch-a-sketch Animator, Casio VL-1 Keyboard, Meccano Erector Sets.)
References
- ^ a b VTech UK Advertising Flyer Ref: 95-0155-18
- ^ PreComputer 1000 Course Book. VTech Educational Electronics. 1988. ASIN B000BSI01W.
- ^ "VTech Laptops". YouTube.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b By (2019-11-19). "Teardown: VTech PreComputer 1000 Is An Iconic PC In A Toy Wrapper". Hackaday. Retrieved 2020-06-30.
- ^ "Vtech precomputer 1000 1992 PCB". Imgur. 7/7/2020. Retrieved 2020-07-10.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help)CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Precomputer 1000 Fantasy Trivia". Imgur. 7/9/2020. Retrieved 2020-07-10.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help)CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b "VTech PreComputer 3in1 Computer Teacher Course Book".
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